Cahill backs local coach for Australia job

Tim Cahill has backed Football Federation Australia's decision to appoint a local coach but says it is vital the new man is given time.

Back-to-back 6-0 defeats to Brazil and France cost Holger Osieck his job as Australia's head coach and sparked calls from past players for veterans including captain Lucas Neill to step aside.

The skipper is refusing to budge and caused uproar when he questioned whether younger players possess the necessary hunger to play for the Socceroos.

Cahill, 33, openly admitted he wants to remain a part of the national team but conceded a youth focus was imperative over the coming years.

"I think it's great that we're looking for an Australian (to replace Osieck) and maybe it will be two of them working together. Who knows?" Cahill, who currently plays for the New York Red Bulls, told Fox Sports.

"For Australia, as long as they've got a long-term plan and not a short-term fix then I'd like to be part of the new journey for the Socceroos.

"But for me the main objective is making sure you get a coach who's there for the process of bringing these young kids through and looking towards the 2018 World Cup qualifiers as well.

"I think for Australian soccer, it's more about the long term - not the short term."

Melbourne Victory head coach Ange Postecoglou is the favourite to replace Osieck, while Mariners mentor Graham Arnold and Western Sydney Wanderers boss Tony Popovic are the other men on the short list.

Cahill believes all three candidates are worthy of the post but was especially effusive in his praise of Popovic.